Consequences of Sin – Dr. James A. Scudder

Today’s Scripture: Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20

I will never forget the day as long as I live. I found out that a man I had a lot of respect for had been having an extramarital affair with someone at the Bible college where he worked. He resigned from his position at the Bible college and then divorced his wife to marry this other woman. The news took the college by storm. Within 30 minutes of the announcement, some of the students had already packed their bags to leave.

The man who had committed this sin has since gone to be with the Lord. He never tried to enter the ministry again. But even though he could not serve Christ in the same way, God still used him. Every day, this man took 200 tracts and gave them to people. He was a great soul-winner, and God blessed him.

Yes, God can use fallen Christians. This doesn’t mean there aren’t going to be severe consequences when we sin. If we are involved in sexual sin, we cannot be restored to our former position in the ministry. We can be sure others will be deeply hurt by our sin, and we may lose our credibility. But we can also be certain of God’s forgiveness. The blood of Jesus has paid for all of our sins. No one can ever be disqualified from serving Christ.

Let the awful consequences of sin keep you from ever taking a step in that direction. But if you have fallen, let God’s promise of forgiveness keep you from wallowing in your guilt and grief. Confess your sins to the Lord, forsake them, and take advantage of the opportunities He gives you to tell others about His unconditional forgiveness. He can still use you if you’ll let Him.